• Puma Energy has appointed Paulo Varela as managing director for Mozambique

• Varela previously led Galp Mozambique’s local distribution operations

• The appointment comes as Puma Energy reports mixed quarterly performance

Puma Energy has appointed Paulo Varela, the former head of Galp Mozambique, as its managing director for Mozambique, according to reports published by local media on February 5, citing the company.

Mr. Varela will oversee all of Puma Energy’s operations in Mozambique, including fuel storage infrastructure, logistics, and distribution activities across the country.

Before joining Puma Energy, he served as chief executive officer of Galp Mozambique, a subsidiary of Portugal’s Galp group, where he led local fuel distribution operations. Puma Energy said Mr. Varela brings extensive leadership experience in the energy sector, including operational roles across Southern Africa.

The appointment comes at a time when Puma Energy reported operating income of $100 million in the third quarter of 2025. The result was down 11% from the previous quarter but up 14% year on year, supported by a 3% increase in volumes, driven mainly by strong growth in wholesale trading, which rose 26%, and aviation fuel sales.

Puma Energy has operated in Mozambique for about 15 years, supplying energy products to commercial, industrial, and institutional clients. Its activities also extend to aviation fuels.

In January 2024, the Mozambican subsidiary completed the acquisition of AirBP’s jet fuel assets in the country. While the financial terms were not disclosed, the deal allows Puma Energy to supply aviation fuel at seven airports, including Maputo, Beira, and Nampula.

Abdel-Latif Boureima